Eric J . Strauss, 96, of Deerfield Beach, FL and West Hartford passed peacefully Monday, (May 9, 2005) in his home surrounded by his family. Born August 23, 1908, in Kulmbach, Germany, son of the late Sigmund and Fanny Strauss, and brother and brother-in-law to the late Kurt and Gertrude Strauss, Henry and Ruth Strauss, Gerda Strauss Falco and Gerhardt Oppenheimer. Eric is survived by his wife, Emily of 57 years; his sister, Margo Strauss Oppenheimer of Hartsdale, NY; his son, Steven J. Strauss and his wife Lauren; and his daughter, Tina Strauss Turner and her husband Stanley, both of West Hartford. Eric is also survived by his six grandchildren, Frank S. Turner and his wife Amy of Rocky Hill, Chad Turner and his wife Karyn of Bloomfield, Jason Turner of West Hartford, Jennifer Strauss and her fiancee, Daniel Trafford of Farmington, Heather Turner of West Hartford and Adam J. Strauss of West Hartford and two great-grandchildren, Dyllan Trafford of Farmington and Tyler S. Turner of Rocky Hill. He also is leaving behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Eric was always the true family man and always enjoyed the summer family picnics. For the past 52 years, Eric and his wife have enjoyed their time at their West Hartford home, but have also enjoyed their condo in Deerfield Beach, FL for the past 25 years. Eric was a co-founder with his brother Kurt in National Packing Company in Hartford for over 30 years. The funeral will be TODAY, May 10, at Weinstein Mortuary, at 11:30 a.m. followed by the burial. The family will be sitting at Eric’s home from Tuesday through Thursday night at 22 Hilldale Rd., West Hartford. Donations can be made to McLean Hospice Care, 75 Great Pond Rd., Simsbury, CT 06070.